All About Medicinal Mushrooms
All About Medicinal Mushrooms
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are considered one of the most delicious and nutritious foods and are commonly produced worldwide. They have been an essential part of the human diet and are used as both food and medicine for centuries.
Medicinal Mushroom
Medicinal mushrooms are higher fungi with additional nutraceutical attributes used to treat and prevent a cohort of diseases and to promote general health. They have outstanding attractive taste, aroma and nutritional value, so are considered a functional food, which means they are beneficial to the body not only in terms of nutrition but also for improved health. It has been reported that with regular intake of these nutraceuticals (more specifically, their bioactive compounds), there may be an enhancement in the immune response of the human body which helps in increasing resistance to disease and at times improving the condition of the diseased state. The list of health benefits medicinal mushrooms provide is lengthy (think: brain booster, hormone helper, antioxidant powerhouse), but each mushroom is unique and provides its own distinct health advantages.
The Life Cycle of Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms belong to a taxonomic grouping called basidiomycetes. A basidiomycete organism has 3 main parts: a mycelium, mushroom and spore. It is fitting to start with the spore, which is the beginning and end of the basidiomycete life cycle. Microscopic spores are generated in the billions by mushrooms and are present in large numbers in all soils. Similar in function to a seed, fungal spores begin the life cycle by germinating when environmental conditions are favourable. The germinating spore produces a hypha, a threadlike tube that spreads and branches in every direction. When multiple spores germinate and their hyphae grow together, a network called a mycelium is formed. Mycelium is the vegetative state and the assimilative stage of a fungal organism. It is often embedded in its food source, what is often referred to as the “substrate.” Using the secretion of enzymes to digest its substrate, mycelium grows in a constellation of mostly dead organic matter such as dead trees, woody debris, fallen leaves, and annual plants of all kinds. When environmental conditions are conducive, a fertile mycelium will produce a mushroom. Now the life cycle of the fungal organism is completed. And although the mushroom and the mycelium are similar in that both are composed of hyphae, they are meaningfully different in structure, composition and function.
Terminology
Mycelium — The ‘body’ of the fungal organism that accumulates food and energy, which enables it to spread and ultimately produce a mushroom.
Mushroom — The mushroom is considered the ‘fruiting body’ and produces spores (’seeds’).
Spore — The seed of the mushroom.
Therapeutic Applications of Edible Mushrooms
Studies show that regularly consuming fungi has many health benefits, including:
— Improved gut health
— Enhanced immunogenicity (the ability of cells/tissues to provoke an immune response) and immunomodulatory effects
— Improved response to inflammation
— Help regulate blood sugar levels
— Anti-ageing activity
— Anti-cancerous activity
— Anti-arthritic activity
— Anti-microbial benefits (anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal)
— Improves heart health and prevents cardiovascular disease
— Enhances bone health
— Anti-neurodegenerative capabilities
— Anti-obesity activity
— Anti-diabetic activity
— Anti-asthmatic activity
— Hepatoprotective nature (prevents damage to the liver)
— Fight hypocholesterolemic (high cholesterol)
Active Compounds in Medicinal Mushrooms
Mushrooms and their extracts possess a large number of medicinal properties because of the presence of different types of bioactive compounds called secondary metabolites. These secondary metabolites are produced in response to stress that helps in its survival by signalling and defence but is generally not required by the fungi for their normal growth and reproduction. These bioactive compounds are potentially useful for the prevention and treatment of various different diseases.
Beta-glucans
The most important secondary metabolite in medicinal mushrooms are β-glucans, which is what grants this species its beneficial properties. These polysaccharides exhibit antitumor, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activity. Beta-glucans also help activate and potentiate the immune system by enhancing and blocking cellular immunity pathways. When beta-glucans activate the immune system, the numbers of macrophages, NK cells, and subsets of T-cells are increased and their functions are enhanced. The mechanism for this activation is the presence of several immune receptors such as dectin-1 (major b-glucan receptor), complement receptor (CR3), and TLR-2/6 (Toll-like receptor-2/6, receptor of the innate immune). Therefore, b-glucans are able to enhance the immune system and prevent and treat several common diseases to promote health.
Terpenes and Triterpenoids
Another class of compounds that are very important for their bioactivity are the terpenes, characterised by units of five-carbon isoprene atoms and whose addition of functional groups produces the terpenoids. They modulate the immune system by stimulating the expression of genes coding for proteins involved in the immune response, but also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver protective activity, lipid-lowering, inhibition of histamine release, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.
Phenolic Acids
Phenolic acids are secondary metabolites that have an important role in the health-promoting and nutraceutical potential of mushrooms in food. The content of these compounds is highly correlated with the antioxidant activity of mushrooms and thus can be used as an important determinant in evaluating free radicals and the scavenging potential of the mushroom extracts. Additionally, phenolic acids have antitumor and antimicrobial properties. They have a strong capacity to inhibit the growth of human tumour cell lines such as non-small lung carcinoma, colon carcinoma and cervical carcinoma cell lines.
Sterols
Mushrooms also contain a variety of sterols, the most commonly studied being ergosterol. Ergosterol is present in all fungi and is known to have antitumor, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, these compounds permit a reduction in pain-related inflammation, reduce cardiovascular disease, inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and activate the expression of specific defence genes. Additionally, ergosterol is a precursor to vitamin D and exposure to ultraviolet light causes a photochemical reaction that converts ergosterol to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2).
Dose
The proper species and dose will vary wildly depending on what you are trying to achieve. For healthy people just looking to benefit from the many nutraceutical properties of mushrooms, a good dose is in the range of 1-2 grams per day. This can be increased or decreased depending on what is working for you. If you are trying to treat a specific condition, a higher dose is typically required for maximum effectiveness. This can be in the range of 3 grams to even up to 9 grams per day. However, it is best to consult a health practitioner or other medical professional that can assess your specific needs and offer a program that works for you.
Safety
Medicinal mushrooms are generally recognised as safe, which means that they are not likely to cause harm when used as intended. When compared to magic mushrooms, the perceived benefits of medicinal mushrooms occur without hallucinogenic properties, making these mushrooms safe and legal to consume when properly harvested and/or processed. That being said, it is possible for certain individuals to have adverse reactions, or even allergic responses to medicinal mushrooms. It is always best to introduce it slowly to ensure you are not one of the rare individuals that react negatively to mushroom extracts.
Medicinal Mushroom Glossary
REISHI
Ganoderma lingzhi
About
Reishi mushroom is generally known as ‘the queen of mushrooms’ due to its body-and-mind balancing properties. What makes this mushroom unique, is its calming properties — all of which are thanks to the compound triterpene, which reishi has its fair share of. These mood-boosting compounds alleviate anxiety, ease depression and encourage better sleep by naturally regulating the hormonal system and lowering cortisol levels.
Main Benefits
Boosts immune system, anti-cancer properties, relieves stress and anxiety, eases depression, improves the body’s capacity to handle stress, enhances mood, supports concentration, increases energy, calms and balances the body and mind, reduces allergy symptoms, supports white blood cells during an infection, aids in weight loss, and promotes better sleep quality.
LION’S MANE
Hericium erinaceus
About
Lion’s mane mushroom is an all-natural brain booster, a nootropic and neuro-protective agent, with no side effects. It has been shown to improve memory, boost creativity and help with concentration by activating the nervous system and brain. It’s packed with antioxidants and bioactive compounds and stimulates the synthesis of bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG) (a protein that promotes the growth, maintenance and protection of brain neurons) and myelin (an insulator around nerve fibers), which are absolutely crucial to brain health. It also plays an important role in immunity.
Main Benefits
Optimizes cognitive performance, improves memory, boosts brainpower, increases concentration, alleviates anxiety and irritability, reduces symptoms of depression, strengthens the immune system and supports overall brain health.
CHAGA
Inonotus Obliquus
About
Known as the ‘king of medicinal mushrooms’, chaga mushrooms are an antioxidant powerhouse, making them excellent contenders for fighting free radicals, lowering inflammation and counteracting tissue damage caused by oxidative stress. Chaga offers an array of beta-glucans optimal for immune support and has also been used to support healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Main Benefits
Fights free radicals and inflammation, combats oxidative stress, may prevent or slow the growth of cancer, lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, supports immunity, provides sustained energy, increases mental sharpness, encourages detoxification, aids digestion, acts as an anti-viral, supports relaxation and stress relief and slows down the signs of ageing.
SILVER EAR MUSHROOM
Tremella fuciformis
About
Silver ear mushroom is an edible medicinal mushroom with a gelatinous texture and a coral shape. Because of its high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ultra-hydrating properties, it’s often referred to as the ‘beauty mushroom’ and is used in the beauty industry to improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity. It behaves much like hyaluronic acid by pulling moisture to the skin, which can give a more youthful and glowing appearance.
Main Benefits
Hydrates the skin, promotes healthy cellular ageing, anti-inflammatory benefits, controls cholesterol, combats obesity, protects and regenerates nerve cells, neuroprotective agent, anti-cancer properties, supports lung function, promotes brain health, boosts immune system, reduces inflammation, helps control blood sugar levels, lowers risk of heart disease, improves skin complexion and helps minimise fine lines.
TURKEY TAIL
Trametes versicolor
About
As one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms, turkey tail was used in many cultures as a healing mushroom that symbolizes longevity, health, spiritual attunement and infinity. Turkey Tail contains two notable polysaccharides PSK (Krestin) and PSP (poly-saccharide peptide), which have been studied for boosting immune cell production and improving the outcome of cancer patients.
Main Benefits
Boosts immune system, fights disease, aids digestion, exhibits anti-cancer properties, improves the survival rate of people with certain cancers, fights leukaemia cells and improves the immune system of people receiving chemotherapy.
CORDYCEPS
Cordyceps militaris
About
Forced to adapt to high altitudes, lower oxygen levels, and freezing temperatures, these small, very rare mushrooms evolved to thrive, making them one of the most potent plant medicines today. Cordyceps improves vitality and endurance by supporting respiration, oxygen delivery and ATP synthesis (the molecule that provides energy at the cellular level).
Main Benefits
Provides long-lasting energy, improves athletic performance, increases endurance, sustains stamina, speeds up muscle recovery, stimulates libido, increases fertility, helps the body utilize oxygen more efficiently, encourages lung health and capacity, enhances blood flow, supports a healthy immune response and defies ageing.
MAITAKE
Grifola frondosa
About
Maitake is a culinary mushroom that can help support the immune system due to the high amount of beta-glucans found within. It is especially known for its ability to modulate glucose levels, which results in a cascade of additional benefits- such as lowering cholesterol, improving blood pressure and helping with weight management.
Main Benefits
Supports the immune system, treats stomach issues, improves digestion, anti-cancer properties, regulates blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, improves blood pressure and helps with weight management.
SHIITAKE
Lentinula edodes
About
Loaded with B vitamins, phytonutrients and other bioactive compounds, shiitake is a great medicinal and gourmet culinary mushroom. The therapeutic properties found in the shiitake mushroom help to support the liver, cardiovascular system and immune system.
Main Benefits
Supports a healthy heart, lowers LDL levels, aids in the prevention of plaque build-up, anti-cancer properties, maintains healthy blood pressure and circulation, nurtures beautiful and healthy skin, improves the immune system and supports the liver by inhibiting the absorption and production of cholesterol in the liver.
ENOKI
Flammulina
About
Enoki mushrooms are typically white in color and marked by long, skinny stems and small, bulbous caps. Thanks to their versatile taste and texture, they are mostly considered a culinary mushroom, but they also have some interesting medicinal qualities.
Main Benefits
Anti-viral properties, improved allergic response, boosts immune system, promotes healthy weight management, reduces blood sugar levels, cholesterol and hypertension and fights cancer and tumour cells.
OYSTER MUSHROOM
Pleurotus ostreatus
About
Oyster mushroom is an edible mushroom that comes in several distinct types. Each type of oyster mushroom is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to keep the body healthy and defend against disease.
Main Benefits
Supports immune system, lowers high blood pressure, regulates cholesterol levels, helps build strong bones, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-cancer properties, protects the heart against cardiovascular diseases and defends against neurodegenerative diseases.
ALMOND MUSHROOM
Agaricus subrufescens
About
The almond mushroom is a well-known edible mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine as a nutritional aid for the prevention of infections and diseases. Various pharmaceutical activities have been found associated with this mushroom and research to reveal the function of bioactive compounds are extensive. Identification of immunomodulating bioactive compounds from the mushroom may help in new treatments for patients suffering from cancer and immunodeficiency.
Main Benefits
Tumour suppressive activity, antibacterial properties, immunomodulatory activity, immunostimulatory effects, reduces blood glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, anti-angiogenic properties, protects against DNA damage, anti-inflammatory effects, combats cardiovascular diseases, antimicrobial activities, antiviral activities, anti-allergy effects, anti-asthmatic properties, anti-genotoxicity activities, promotes cytokine induction and encourages lymphocyte activation.
BLACK HOOF MUSHROOM
Phellinus Linteus
About
The black hoof mushroom is a bitter and astringent fungus that fruits on the trunks of several hardwood trees. Thanks to its bioactive compounds, it enhances the immune system by increasing the production of cytokines by macrophages and B-cells, as well as the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells. It also modulates the expression and activity of various genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasive behaviour and chemoprevention.
Main Benefits
Anti-cancer properties, boosts immune system, anti-inflammatory activity, aids in tumour regression, treats asthma and certain allergy symptoms, helps with diabetes management, treats eczema and other forms of allergic dermatitis, antiviral activity, combats diarrhoea and other gastroenteric problems, antimicrobial activity, immunomodulatory activity, antioxidant activity, supports the liver and protects against certain degenerative neurological conditions.
AGARIKON
Laricifomes officinalis
About
Agarikon is a very bitter mushroom with a soft and chalky consistency that grows to resemble a very large beehive. It has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, especially as a treatment against infectious diseases. Quite spectacularly, this mushroom can grow for up to 100 years, in this regard it has managed to build up exceptional defences to invading pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.
Main Benefits
Boost immune system, anti-cancer properties, treatment of inflammatory conditions (asthma, rheumatoid arthritis), fights lung conditions (cough, pneumonia, tuberculosis), supports pulmonary system, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and anti-helmintic activity.
PORIA
Wolfiporia extensa
About
Poria is a wood-decaying fungus and looks like a small coconut, mushroom or potato. It has a large underground sclerotium (a compact mass of hardened fungal mycelium) that contains many food reserves. The Poria mushroom contains natural substances that promote good health including polysaccharides and triterpenoids, these are thought to enhance immune system health and provide antioxidant benefits respectively.
Main Benefits
Boosts immune system, suppresses inflammatory immune responses, anti-cancer properties, treats anxiety, supports sleep, treats liver steatosis, anti-depressant, increases cerebral blood flow, treats neurodegenerative disorders (memory disorders, dementia and alzheimer’s disease), decreases blood glucose levels, supports a healthy gut microbiome, anti-epileptic properties and promotes healthy kidney function.
Supplement Types
The world of mushroom supplements can be confusing to newcomers. That’s because there are so many different methods to make them, and different methods to take them. The truth is, different things work for different people — and it really is the efficacy of the product that matters most. The most important things to understand are how the mushrooms are produced, what extraction method is used and the supplement form it comes in.
Production Methods
Whole Fruiting Body
The ‘whole fruiting body’ is the actual mushroom that grows. The fruiting body contains the highest concentration of active compounds that give functional mushrooms their beneficial properties.
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum means that the whole mushrooms organism was used — the fruiting body and mycelium.
Pure Mycelium
Pure mycelium refers to mycelium that has been grown in a ‘liquid' culture’(large vats of nutrient-rich liquid). The pure mycelium is then filtered from the liquid, dried, and turned into a mushroom supplement. The result is a highly concentrated form of mushroom mycelium.
Spores
Spores are collected from the mushrooms and are “cracked” by heating, or by forcing through polished rollers. This makes the beneficial compounds bio-available. If processed correctly, these spores can have remarkable beneficial properties.
Myceliated Grain
Myceliated grain refers to mycelium that has been grown on specific grains in the lab. The grain starch provides the perfect nutrition for fast mycelial growth. The final product is just grain starch, containing very little actual beneficial compounds.
Extraction Methods
The beneficial compounds in mushrooms- such as the beta-d glucans, triterpenes, and sterols are not easily absorbed by our body. This is because they are “locked” in the cell walls of the mushroom fruit body, and our body chemistry is not set up to properly process this tough material. In order to be most effective, mushrooms need to go through an extraction process in order to isolate the active metabolites to be consumed as supplements. This is typically done by hot water extraction or alcohol extraction. In some cases, these processes are done in sequence, producing a product that is dual-extracted. The extraction method is important, because it determines which compounds are most bio-available.
Hot Water Extraction
Hot water extraction is the traditional method of processing medicinal mushrooms. That is because, beta-d-glucan, one of the most important compounds in mushrooms is water soluble. Mushroom fruit bodies are simmered in hot water for several hours. Since a liquid is not a great method of distribution, the extract is usually “spray dried” and turned into a fine powder which can be encapsulated or added to food, tea, coffee, or smoothies by the end consumer without the need for further processing.
Alcohol Extraction
Some compounds such as triterpenes and sterols- are not soluble in water. In order to make them more bio-available, an alcohol extraction should be performed. The mushrooms are soaked in large vats of alcohol, and then the liquid is dried into a fine powder. Alcohol extracts are sometimes also sold as a tincture. There is some concern that alcohol extraction can actually denature some of the other beneficial compounds and may not be as effective as aqueous extracts. More research on the effectiveness of the different methods still needs to be done.
Dual Extraction
Dual extraction is done by performing both a hot water extraction and an alcohol extraction- and then combining the final product. Dual extracted supplements make all the beneficial compounds in medicinal mushrooms bio-available, but there are some drawbacks. The main concern is that these dual extracted powders will actually contain fewer beneficial beta-d glucans than hot water extracts alone.
*Extraction Ratio — The extraction ratio is how much actual mushroom product was used to make the final product. A 1:1 extract ratio means that 1 lb of mushrooms was used to make 1 lb of extract. Poor processing methods will usually lead to a higher extraction ratio, solely because the extraction is less efficient.
The Form of Mushroom Supplements
There are a whole load of different ways to take functional mushrooms, each one having its own advantages and disadvantages. What’s right for you might not be right for someone else. That being said, it’s important to understand what options you have to choose from, so you can choose what works for you.
Extract Powders
Extract powders are one of the purest, most versatile, and most effective ways to take medicinal mushrooms. These powders are easy to add into recipes and also make it easy for you to titrate your dose, and mix whatever combination of mushrooms suits you best.
Dried Mushrooms
Many mushrooms can also be purchased dried. The best way to use dried mushrooms is to prepare a hot water extraction by making a tea. Simply ingesting dried mushrooms (in whole form or powder) will not give the maximum health benefit, since the beneficial compounds will not be bio-available.
Tinctures
Tinctures are the liquid mushroom extract that is made through alcohol extraction or dual extraction. Tinctures are easy to use and easy to control the dose.
Capsules
Capsules are convenient, require no extra preparation, and are easy to travel with. The highest quality capsules will contain nothing but pure mushroom extract powder and a natural capsule shell, free from fillers.
Whole Fresh Mushrooms
Some mushrooms have both culinary and medicinal value and can be added to many dishes! That being said, without proper extraction, you are less likely to get the full medicinal value of these mushrooms.